May 28, 2012 - Minnesota native Tim O'Brien, speaking as part of the Club Book series in Blaine a few years ago about his acclaimed book about the Vietnam War and the impact it had on soldiers. It's titled, "The Things They Carried."
April 3, 2012 - David Treuer, an Ojibwe author from the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, speaks at the Minneapolis Central Library as part of the Hennepin County Library's Talk of the Stacks series. His book is titled, "Rez Life: An Indian's Journey Through Reservation Life."
March 9, 2012 - Two interviews from our Minnesota Voices series on the history of political protest in Minnesota. The program begins with a remembrance of anti-war protester and civil rights activist Marv Davidof who died recently. Reporter Dan Olson also interviews historian Rhoda Gilman, who's out with a new book, "Stand Up: the Story of Minnesota's Protest Tradition."
February 3, 2012 - As part of Arts Week, MPR’s Marianne Combs has a conversation with scholar Paul Carter Harrison and Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy. The group discusses the history behind the Black Arts Movement and its impact.
January 20, 2012 - A broadcast of "Heckuva Farewell," an event for MPR’s Gary Eichten, held at the Fitzgerald Theater on January 19, 2012. For his last Midday show, Gary interviews Vice President Mondale, Minnesota's senior statesman. The two hold a wide-ranging political discussion.
December 23, 2011 - Midday presents a broadcast of Of Mirth and Mischief, a performance of stories, winter fairies, and elves from writer and humorist Kevin Kling at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
December 21, 2011 - Midday re-broadcasts Lisa See, author of Shanghai Girls and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, speaking at the Hennepin Country Central Library in downtown Minneapolis as part of the Talk of the Stacks series. See discusses her writing and the influence of her Chinese American heritage.
December 2, 2011 - Jerry Dennis and Darby Nelson have written about lakes, great and small. What do we most value about lakes and what should be done to protect them? Guests: Darby Nelson: Author of "For Love of Lakes." Aquatic ecologist and professor emeritus, Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Served three terms as Minnesota State Representative. Former board president, Conservation Minnesota. Currently on the board of the Freshwater Society.
November 18, 2011 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with DFL Congressman Tim Walz. The two discuss the The congressional “supercommittee” efforts to cut the federal budget deficit by $1.2. Walz joined a bipartisan group urging the panel to "go big" and exceed the minimum target. During conversation, the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are addressed. Walz also answers listener questions.
November 11, 2011 - On this special Veterans Day Midday program, a remembrance of legendary radio dramatist Norman Corwin with a short documentary on his career, and excerpts from his masterpiece, On a Note of Triumph, which remains the most listened to radio drama in U.S. history. Later in the hour, author Tim O'Brien reads and discusses his critically acclaimed short story collection on the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried.